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When my two co-founders and I began our film production company 10 years ago, I truthfully didn’t imagine we could do it. I had tried to start a few businesses before and deep down I believed this is able to find yourself like all the others. I figured we might give it a few months and then go back to applying for jobs.
Once we began being profitable and signing deals, it still took time for our early successes to turn into “real.” Despite the money flow, we were figuring out of our apartment, interviewing people in the lobby of the Marriott down the street, and continuously putting out fires. Even though many of those problems resolved themselves, for years we felt like we were at all times a few decisions away from potential bankruptcy.
But against all odds, Lemonlight has charted a different path. Over the past decade, we’ve achieved incredible milestones: working with dream clients, breaking sales records, expanding office space, buying studio space, and producing tens of 1000’s of movies we’re truly happy with.
As I reflect on this journey, five key turning points stand out—moments that made me realize we were building something that might truly succeed.
Turning Point #1: Opening Our First Real Office
One of the first milestones was securing our first real office space.
Moving into a 2,000 square foot office was each exciting and terrifying. It was a big financial commitment, but we felt like we finally had a home and were becoming more grounded.
In my eyes, this move symbolized our transformation from an ambitious startup figuring out of an apartment to a legitimate business with a dedicated space to grow. It gave us a sense of permanence and stability, which was crucial for our morale and long-term planning.
Plus, we could finally invite clients into our office without feeling confined by our makeshift setup!
Turning Point #2: Fully Devoted to Video Content Creation
After several years of activity, we have reached one other necessary milestone: we have decided to focus solely on video production.
Until now, we offered a big selection of services, from video to website content to social media management, but the decision to focus on our core competencies showed that we had a clear mission and purpose.
It was a difficult decision, especially since it meant rejecting other potential sources of income, but it strengthened our identity and helped us build the company around our strengths.
By narrowing our focus, we were able to deepen our expertise, improve our processes, and deliver higher-quality results to our clients. This move also simplified our marketing message, making it easier to communicate what we did best and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Turning Point #3: Signing our first known contract with a corporate client
The day TripAdvisor found us online and hired us to create videos was one other surreal moment. They were one of our first corporate clients and I remember being surprised that they trusted such a small company.
This partnership confirmed our capabilities and opened doors to other major clients. Working with a renowned brand like TripAdvisor over the years was a confidence boost and a testament to our quality and reliability. It proved that we will handle large projects and meet the demands of well-known clients.
Turning Point #4: Winning Our First Inc. 500 Award
In 2018, 4 years after Lemonlight launched, we won our first Inc. 500 award. That was the moment I finally believed we had a legitimate company. In my opinion, only “serious” firms won Inc. awards, and if we won, we must have been on the right track.
This recognition was a huge boost to our team morale and a powerful validation of our exertions and growth. It not only increased our visibility in the industry, but also attracted recent customers and partners who wanted to be associated with a successful, award-winning company. This recognition confirmed our commitment to excellence and motivated us to set even higher goals.
Turning Point #5: Raising Seed Funds
Raising our seed money felt like the final milestone in our entrepreneurial journey. Finally, someone apart from our parents believed in us and wanted to support what we were building.
Securing this investment gave us the financial resources to scale our operations, hire more talent, and invest in higher equipment and technology. It also gave us the confidence to take larger risks and pursue larger opportunities.
The external verification was a signal that our company has real potential and that we are on the path to sustainable growth.
Looking back, these key moments were instrumental in shaping Lemonlight’s success. In five other ways over 10 years, they gave us the confidence, resources, and validation we wanted to grow from a small startup into a respected company.
As you navigate your personal entrepreneurial path, remember to have a good time every milestone, learn from every challenge, and be open to game-changing moments. Success often comes when you least expect it, and your next big turning point could possibly be just around the corner. Keep pushing and enjoy the journey!